Friday 29th September 2006

RAMSI Special Coordinator James Batley today thanked the Republic of Palau for contributing members of its police force to the regional assistance mission.

As the Micronesian country marked its Independence Day (Sunday 1 October), Mr Batley noted that the commitment of the Pacific Islands Forum members like Palau made RAMSI a strong and unique partnership with Solomon Islands.  Palau first joined RAMSI in May this year.

“We thank the people and Government of Palau for contributing members of their police force.  Every contribution makes the mission stronger and more effective in partnership with Solomon Islanders.”

At present two police officers from Palau are serving in the Participating Police Force, for an eight month rotation.

Fourteen countries, all members of the Pacific Islands Forum, contribute to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, PNG, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.